Kristine Stavås Skistad's Risky Move to Reset Warnings Amid Disqualification Rule Controversy

Kristine Stavås Skistad has devised a controversial strategy to intentionally get disqualified in the upcoming sprint event to reset her penalty warnings ahead of the World Cup in Ruka next weekend. This plan follows the recent disqualification of Alvar Myhlback during the Gällivaresprinten semifinal due to a yellow card from the previous roller ski season, which sparked widespread criticism of rules allowing warnings to carry over between seasons.

Skistad, who received a warning during the Beitostølen sprint, believes another warning leading to disqualification could clear her record, starting the World Cup clean. However, her coach, Lage Sofienlund, warns that her tactic carries the risk of receiving a red card, which would instead carry warnings into the World Cup, making the outcome uncertain.

The controversy over carryover penalties intensified after Myhlback's disqualification, which he denounced angrily as unfair and illogical. The national team manager, Anders Byström, supports changing the rule so warnings reset at season start, similar to championship resets. Jury chief Sanna Hallberg Peterson acknowledges the criticism but notes the rule is long-standing, and ongoing discussions with the International Ski Federation are underway.

This evolving situation highlights tensions in rule enforcement and competitor strategies just before major World Cup events.